COLD RECOVERABLE ELASTOMERIC SLEEVE AND METHOD FOR INSTALLATION AND USE

摘要

A method for covering a substrate comprising the steps of: position- over the substrate (20) an assembly including a recoverable elastomeric eve (12) and a mandrel (42) upon which the sleeve (12) is mounted under tension an expanded condition such that upon release of the tension the sleeve (12) tends to assume a smaller cross-sectional dimension and there- upon cover the substrate (20)the mandrel (42) having a generally tubular configuration and defining a series of spaced apart substantially longitudi- nal projections (44) extending radially outwardly, the sleeve (12) being in substantial contact with the longitudinal projections (44) and withdrawing. mandrel (42) from the sleeve (12) by sliding the mandrel (42) longitudi- nally away from the sleeve (12) while maintaining its position over the workpiece, the sleeve (12) thereby progressively assuming a smaller cross- sectional dimension to cover the substrate as the mandrel (42) is progres- sively withdrawn. The substrate (20) may be a high voltage termination or cable splice, and the mandrel (42) may include a medial annular transverse tearline enabling breaking and separation of the mandrel (42) into two seg- ments for facilitating withdrawal from, and recovery of the sleeve.